1. In 1947, the town of Buford, Georgia saw one of the most unusual events in its history when a live elephant was paraded through the streets. The elephant, named Mary, was part of a traveling circus and was known for her gentle nature. However, a tragic accident occurred during her performance in the town, leading to her eventual execution.

2. On August 7, 1975, the city of Atlanta hosted the first-ever Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards. The event was established to honor the state's most influential musicians, including the likes of Otis Redding, Little Richard, and Ray Charles.

3. In 1993, a massive flood swept through the city of Augusta, causing extensive damage and claiming the lives of four people. The flood was caused by heavy rainfall and resulted in the evacuation of more than 1,000 residents.

4. On August 7, 1987, the Georgia Dome officially opened in Atlanta. The stadium, which had a seating capacity of over 70,000, was home to the Atlanta Falcons football team for nearly 25 years before being replaced by Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2017.

5. In 1944, United States Navy pilot Lieutenant Walter Stewart was honored with the Navy Cross for his heroic actions during a mission in the Pacific Theater of World War II. Stewart, a native of Atlanta, was recognized for his bravery and skill in attacking enemy ships despite heavy anti-aircraft fire.